Louisiana Senate Bill SCR114

Louisiana 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/16/12
• Refer: 5/17/12
• Passed: 5/17/12
• Engrossed: 5/17/12
• Refer: 5/21/12
• Report Pass: 5/30/12

Caption

Authorizes and directs the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to study entering into recreational fishing and hunting license reciprocity agreements with Arkansas, Mississippi, and Texas, and to submit its findings to the House Committee on Natural Resources and Environment and the Senate Committee on Natural Resources.

Impact

Should the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries find promising avenues for these reciprocity agreements, state laws concerning hunting and fishing licensing would likely need to be revised to foster a collaborative framework with the neighboring states. This change could lead to increased tourism revenue and support for wildlife conservation efforts within Louisiana, as hunters and fishers contribute financially to these initiatives. Furthermore, this initiative could enhance the marketing appeal of Louisiana's outdoor experiences.

Summary

SCR114 urges and requests the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to explore the feasibility of entering into recreational fishing and hunting license reciprocity agreements with neighboring states, specifically Arkansas, Mississippi, and Texas. The resolution acknowledges Louisiana's reputation as a prime location for sportsman activities, particularly due to its rich wildlife and outdoor resources that attract sports enthusiasts. The objective is to assess how licensing can be standardized or improved to facilitate more visitors from these states to partake in Louisiana's recreational activities.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SCR114 appears to be predominantly positive, as it seeks to cultivate a collaborative spirit among southern states and promote Louisiana's natural resources. Legislators recognize the economic potential inherent in attracting non-resident hunters and fishers, and there seems to be broad support for enhancing Louisiana's identity as a destination for outdoor recreational activities.

Contention

While the resolution has received affirmative votes, discussions may arise regarding the actual implementation of such agreements, including potential differences in licensing fees and regulations across states. Stakeholders from conservation groups and the recreational community may voice opinions on ensuring that such agreements remain beneficial for Louisiana's wildlife management objectives and safeguard against over-exploitation of resources. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the proposed agreements in increasing visitor numbers and supporting local economies might also be debated.